Basic Arithmetic and Algebra

Course Description:
This course is a combination of remedial arithmetic skills and elementary algebra. It
includes the arithmetic of integers, fractions, decimals, and percent. In addition, the
course covers topics such as algebraic representation , operations with polynomials,
solving linear equations, solving systems of two linear equations in two variables,
exponents and radicals, factoring, graphing linear equations, and the Pythagorean
theorem. This is an accelerated course for students who have scored relatively high on
the placement examination in pre-algebra.

PreICo-Requisites:
Students who score between 27 and 36 on the COMPASS Pre-algebra exam and less than
38 on the COMPASS algebra exam are eligible to take MAT 012. Students who have not
yet taken and/or obtained a score of 27 or more on the COMPASS Pre-algebra exam will
be required to do so in MAT012.

Student Learning Outcomes:
The students should be able to:
•write, round, add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers.
estimate the sum , difference, product and quotient of whole numbers.
•complete problems involving exponents, simple averages , and order of operations.
•solve applied problems involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals,
percentages, ratios, proportions, basic algebra, basic statistics, bar graphs and
scientific notation.
•form, reduce, add, subtract, multiply, divide and compare fractions .
•find prime factorizations of whole numbers.
convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions.
•write, round, add, subtract, multiply, divide and compare decimals.
•convert between decimals and fractions .
•solve applied problems involving decimals.
•translate between word statements and simple algebraic statements.
•evaluate simple algebraic expressions and solve simple linear equations.
•solve applied problems involving simple linear equations.
•write ratios and rates as fractions.
find unit rates and best buys.
set up and solve proportion problems.
convert between decimals, percent and fractions.
set up and solve percent problems, including application problems involving
percent.
•add, subtract, multiply, divide and compare signed numbers .
•find the absolute value of a real number.
•solve applied problems involving signed numbers.
•find the mean, median, mode, and range of a set of numbers.
•read and interpret tables, line graphs, bat graphs and pie charts.
•convert numbers between standard form and scientific notation.
•add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers in scientific notation.
•Evaluate algebraic expressions via substitution.
•add, subtract, multiply, divide and simplify algebraic expressions.
•use algebraic expressions to solve applied problems.
•solve linear and literal equations.
•solve applied problems using linear equations in one variable.
•graph the solution set of a linear inequality.
plot points in the x-y plane.
•graph linear equations.
•define a linear equation in x and y using given information.
•find the slope of a line from given information.
•solve systems of linear equations in 2 variables using graphical, substitution and
elimination
methods.
•solve applied problen~si nvolving systems of equations.
•multiply, divide and simplify expressions involving exponents.
•add, subtract, multiply, divide and evaluate polynomials.
•convert numbers between standard form and scientific notation.
•add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers in scientific notation.
•factor polynomials using the greatest common factor and grouping.
•factor trinomials and difference of squares .
•solve quadratic equations in one variable by factoring.
•solve applied problems involving factoring.
•simplify, add, subtract, multiply and divide rational expressions.
•simplify complex fractions.
•solve rational equations.
•simplify, add, subtract, multiply and divide radical expressions.
•rationalize the denominator of a radical expression.

Required Text and Readings:
Introductory Algebra with Arithmetic Review, Custom Edition, by Geoffrey Akst and
Sadie Bragg, Pearson Custom Publishing, 2005.

Evaluation and Requirements of Students:

The final grade in this course will be S (Satisfactory) or R (repeat). To earn a grade of S in the
course, the student must pass the COMPASS Algebra examination (1 attempt) with a score of at
least 27, pass a departmental final examination (2 attempts) with a grade of 70% or better and
also satisfy any additional criteria stated by the instructor. Students are required to attend all
scheduled classes. The college attendance policy, as specified in the catalog, is that instructors
can give a failing grade to students with excessive absences.

Outline of Topics: Pages in Text
Arithmetic of Whole Numbers 1 -77
Fractions
Decimals
Percent
Basic Statistics
Signed Numbers
Algebraic Expressions, Translations and Exponents
Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities
Graphing Linear Equations and Inequalities
Solving Systems of Linear Equations
Exponents and Polynomials (includes scientific notation)
Factoring Polynomials
Rational Expressions and Equations
Radical Expressions and Equations

College Attendance Policy:

1. Absences
At BMCC, the maximum number of absences is limited to one more hour than the number of
hours a class meets in one week. For this course, you are allowed seven hours of absence (not
seven days). In the case of excessive absence, the instructor has the option to lower the grade or
assign an "F", " R , or "WU" grade.

2. Class Attendance
If you do not attend class at least once in the first three weeks of the course and once in the fourth
or fifth weeks, the Office of the Registrar is required to assign a grade of "WU". Attendance in
both regular and remedial courses is mandated by policy of the City University of New York.
Instructors are required by New York State law to keep an official record of class attendance.

3. Lateness
Classes begin promptly at the times indicated in the Schedule of Classes. Arrival in classes after
the scheduled starting time constitutes a lateness. Latecomers may, at the discretion of the
instructor, incur an official absence.

Academic Adjustments for Students with Disabilities:
Students with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations or academic
adjustments for this course must contact the Office of Services for Students with
Disabilities. BMCC is committed to providing equal access to all programs and curricula
to all students.

BMCC Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Integrity Statement:
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else's ideas, words or artistic, scientific, or
technical work as one's own creation. Using the idea or work of another is permissible
only when the original author is identified. Paraphrasing and summarizing, as well as
direct quotations require citations to the original source. Plagiarism may be intentional or
unintentional. Lack of dishonest intent does not necessarily absolve a student of
responsibility for plagiarism.

Students who are unsure how and when to provide documentation are advised to
consult with their instructors. The library has guides designed to help students to
appropriately identify a cited work. For further information on integrity and behavior,
please consult the college bulletin (also available online).

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